by Robert Browning (1812 - 1889)
One way of love
Language: English
All June I bound the rose in sheaves. Now, rose by rose, I strip the leaves And strew them where Pauline may pass. She will not turn aside? Alas! Let them lie. Suppose they die? The chance was they might take her eye. How many a month I strove to suit These stubborn fingers to the lute! To-day I venture all I know. She will not hear my music? So! Break the string; fold music's wing: Suppose Pauline had bade me sing! My whole life long I learned to love. This hour my utmost art I prove And speak my passion -- heaven or hell? She will not give me heaven? 'T is well! Lose who may -- I still can say, Those who win heaven, blest are they!
Text Authorship:
- by Robert Browning (1812 - 1889), "One way of love" [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Clara Kathleen Rogers (1844 - 1931), "One way of love", op. 32 no. 5, published 1900 [voice and piano], from Browning songs (Second Series), no. 5, Boston : Arthur P. Schmidt and Co. [text not verified]
Researcher for this page: Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]
This text was added to the website: 2011-07-14
Line count: 18
Word count: 127